Thursday, 9th June, 2011 

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has leapt to the front of Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner’s wanted list and the Latics have allowed the Midlands giants to discuss the vacancy with the Spaniard. 

Lerner had held preliminary talks with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, but discussions broke down over the size of budget the Champions League-winning boss expected to be placed at his disposal.

Ex-England coach Steve McClaren too is out of the running after Lerner listed to Villa fans express doubts about his potential appointment. Coupled with Mark Hughes, who recently left Fulham, being overlooked, Villa’s list of potential managers has shortened considerably.



And this has catapulted Martinez to the front of Villa’s list, leading to the club asking for permission to speak to the Wigan boss, something the Latics granted.

The Spaniard has impressed the Midlands club with his brand of football at Wigan, while masterminding an escape from relegation last season also boosted his credentials. 

Another option is Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle. Despite being happy at the Reebok Stadium, Coyle is still keen for increased financial backing to reassure him that his ambitions can be met by the North West side.

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